Pre-application for 24-storey block of ‘co-living’ apartments shot down by councillors

Councillors in Leeds have labelled early blueprints to build two residential tower blocks as “too dense” and “lacking amenities”.

The pre-application from developers So City suggests demolishing two buildings already in Lisbon Square in Leeds City Centre, before replacing them with one 15 and one 24-storey residential building, making up a total of 242 flats.

In addition to the flats the ground floor of one of the buildings would be laid out as co-working space, with cycle storage, a café and a gym.

Architect James Elliot told the meeting the buildings and amenities would create what he dubbed a “co-living space”.

He added: “The application is to replace some existing 1980s buildings with a large, high storey dense residential scheme.

“It’s aimed at young professionals in Leeds who want everything at their fingertips.”

Coun Colin Campbell (Lib Dem) asked what was meant by “co-living”.

Mr Elliot responded: “It’s a new term – it’s a new way of living where everything is provided for you – your Wi-Fi is included, you have laundry facilities, you have everything at your fingertips in the building. You can get on with things without being distracted by bills.”

Chairing the meeting, Coun James McKenna (Lab) said: “It’s new to Leeds, but it doesn’t make it a bad thing.”

Coun Caroline Gruen (Lab) asked: “I am also interested in this. Does it mean that facilities are shared?”

Mr Elliot said: “You still have your kitchen, you can just work in a social work space, and there is a gym. It allows people to not have to use their cars or not leave their flats if they don’t need to.”

Coun Tom Leadley (MBI) responded: “It would be sad if everyone locked themselves in their flats and stayed on the internet all day, wouldn’t it?”